AURORA, Ill. – Legislation supported by state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Aurora, increasing penalties against criminals who assault on-duty nurses is now law. The measure provides nurses with similar legal protections provided to others who serve the public, such as teachers and police officers.

“Nurses often work under demanding conditions and interact with patients in a way that can leave them open to a potential attack,” Kifowit said. “Nurses, like any professional worker, deserve to have the peace of mind in knowing that their workplace is safe. This measure will work toward that end by deterring people from committing future violent acts, thus allowing nurses to focus on treating their patients with the proper care and attention.”

House Bill 801 classifies battery of an on-duty nurse as aggravated battery. Currently, crimes committed against many who work in the public interest, including teachers, law enforcement officers and emergency medical technicians, can be classified as aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, carrying a sentence of two to five years in prison. Prosecutors would maintain discretion over what, if any, charges to file, ensuring only egregious and intentional attacks are charged as aggravated battery. The new law – supported by the Illinois Nurses Association – takes effect on Jan. 1, 2014.

“It is important that nurses are treated no differently than others who serve the public, like first responders,” Kifowit said. “I believe this new law is an important step to showing nurses the recognition they deserve for all of the physical work they do to save lives, at times even putting themselves in harms’ way.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Kifowit’s constituent service office at 630-585-1308 or email Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net.